Patents Examined by William P. Neuder
  • Patent number: 9611705
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for preconditioning and/or testing a centralizer, and a preconditioned centralizer, are provided. The apparatus includes a restrictor positionable around a tubular and having an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a driver configured to translate the restrictor relative to the tubular in at least a first axial direction. The restrictor is configured to engage a centralizer attached to the tubular, and the restrictor is configured to at least partially collapse flexible ribs of the centralizer when the driver axially translates the restrictor across at least a portion of the flexible ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Ira Hining, Clayton Plucheck
  • Patent number: 9587449
    Abstract: Example workover vehicles for removing and installing sucker rods and tubing of completed wells include a mast having a distinctive spatial relationship with various equipment of the vehicle. The mast has a series of vertical corner posts or weight bearing derrick legs that define the mast's horizontal footprint. In some examples, a tubing storage rack is situated mostly within the footprint while a rod storage rack is mostly beyond the footprint. A robot traveling vertically along the mast transfers rods and tubing between the well and the appropriate storage rack. In some examples, the rod storage rack pivots between an extended operative position and a retracted transport position. In some examples, a robotic jib transfers rods or tubing to and from a lay-down storage area. Some example robot jibs are movable to a fully deployed position for normal operation and a stored position within the mast's footprint for vehicle transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan V. Huseman, Frederic M. Newman, James B. Story, Kasia L. Robnett, Victor D. Trotter
  • Patent number: 9574417
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for engaging and removing an object within a wellbore comprises a cutting tool at a lower end. Continued engagement of the cutting tool with the object is facilitated by an axial compression device disposed within the bottom hole assembly below the anchor of the bottom hole assembly. The axial compression device comprises a compressed position and an expanded or extended position. As the object is being cut or abraded, the axial compression device moves from the compressed position toward the expanded position so that a continued downward force is transferred to the object by the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary L. Laird, Robbie B. Colbert, David W. Coleman
  • Patent number: 9567821
    Abstract: Anti-extrusion devices, packer elements, and inflatable packers include shape memory polymer (SMP) materials to enhance the operation of a packer, a bridge plug, or other downhole isolation tool. Seal system use seals of various material including SMP materials as booster for the seal produced. Tool for flow shut-off and sliding sleeve applications use SMP materials to open or close off flow through a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob Bramwell
  • Patent number: 9567812
    Abstract: An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Sallwasser, Bulent Finci, Jaime Pedraza, Akio Kita
  • Patent number: 9562406
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a well service rig for tripping rods and tubulars. The well service rig includes a service rig base unit, a mast coupled to the well service rig base unit movable between a folded position and an upright position, a vertical guide mounted to the mast, and a traveling block system coupled to the vertical guide at a first end and configured to travel up and down at least a portion of a length of the vertical guide. The traveling block system is couplable to a rod, a tubular, or both at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9555454
    Abstract: Described herein are systems for manipulating a flowable substance, comprising: a flowable substance; a heating means; a cooling means; and a composition comprising chemically inert particles coated with a stimuli-responsive material. Compositions and methods for using the compositions are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Lehigh University
    Inventors: Sibel Pamukcu, Yi Dong
  • Patent number: 9556687
    Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a tubular in a wellbore, and a method of manufacturing a centralizer. The centralizer may include a plurality of ribs spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the ribs may include a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section extending between the first and second end sections. A first plurality of spacers may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the first plurality of spacers may be positioned circumferentially between two of the plurality of ribs. The first plurality of spacers and the first end sections of the plurality of ribs may be axially aligned and together at least partially define a first end collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ANTELOPE OIL TOOL & MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Clayton Plucheck, Ira Eugene Hining
  • Patent number: 9551187
    Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: McLaughlin Group, Inc.
    Inventor: William Malcolm
  • Patent number: 9546541
    Abstract: A method can include selecting a ratio of a first effective cross-sectional area of a first component of a gas lift valve to a second effective cross-sectional area of a second component of the gas lift valve; charging a chamber of the gas lift valve; and positioning the gas lift valve in a pocket to expose the gas lift valve to a tubing pressure and a casing pressure, where transitioning of the gas lift valve from a closed state to an open state depends at least in part on the selected ratio. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chao Wang, Weng Keong Tiong, Yushan Li, Ganesh Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 9546527
    Abstract: A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ACCESSESP UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 9534454
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing cable along a tubular in a wellbore using a first retainer for attachment to the tubular at a first location and a second retainer for attachment to the tubular at a second location. Each retainer is constructed and arranged to reverse the direction of the cable and to at least partially retain the cable due to elastic forces therein. In one embodiment, the cable is formed into a plurality of loops, each having an upper end retained by the first retainer and a lower end retained by the second retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sensor Developments AS
    Inventors: Øivind Godager, Lee Adams, Bruce H. Storm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9534463
    Abstract: A pump down tool includes a resilient cup on the tool exterior to minimize leakage of pumped fluid around the outside of the tool when the tool is pumped into a well. The resilient cup is concave toward an upper end of the tool so it expands upon application of pressure to pump the tool into the well. The resilient cup is capable of expanding to a diameter sealing against the inside of the casing string. A fluid bypass around the resilient cup allows a fraction of the pumped fluid to stir up any proppant lying in the path of the tool thereby allowing the tool to move through a horizontal well without having to plow through the proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9534470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for of controlling the flow of a fluid. The fluid comprises a liquid phase and a dissolved gas phase. The fluid passes through a valve, the valve comprising a fluid inlet and a movable body located in a flow path through the valve, the movable body being arranged to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet to vary the flow-through area through which the fluid flows by means of the Bernoulli effect. The dimensions of the valve are such that flow of the fluid past the movable body causes a drop in pressure to below the bubble point of the gas phase in the liquid phase, thereby increasing flow of the fluid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Patent number: 9534489
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a stimulation operation includes: receiving parameter information for the stimulation operation, the stimulation operation including injecting an acid stimulation fluid into an earth formation along a selected length of a borehole from a tubular disposed in the borehole; and generating, by a processor, a thermal model based on one or more energy balance equations that account for at least a first heat source and a second heat source, the first heat source expected to produce heat during the stimulation by a chemical reaction between an acid in the stimulation fluid and the formation, and the second heat source including expected geothermal heat from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: XiaoWei Wang, Terry R. Bussear
  • Patent number: 9534446
    Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean well from a surface location. The method comprises estimating a target formation depth, estimating a target formation dip angle and calculating a target line that creates a top and bottom of the target formation that forms a first projection window. The method further includes drilling within the first projection window, transmitting information from the subterranean well and projecting a target deviation window. The method can further comprise ceasing the drilling of the well and performing a well survey so that well survey information is generated. The method can then include estimating a formation dip angle with the well survey information and rig surface equipment monitoring data, calculating a target line that creates a revised top and bottom of the target formation that forms a second projection window, and drilling within the second projection window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Danny T. Williams
  • Patent number: 9534457
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection using a drill having a drilling element for forming a borehole in a face of a mine passage includes a drill guide for engaging the drilling element while permitting the drilling element to move toward the face for forming the borehole. The drill guide includes a keeper for keeping the drilling element in a desired position, which keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element. A low profile drill guide is also disclosed, as is a guard for a drill guide, and also related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: J.H. FLETCHER & CO
    Inventors: Henry E. Wilson, Sean Casey Farrell, Robert Sherwood Anderson, Sean Joseph McQuerrey
  • Patent number: 9528362
    Abstract: A method and system for managing one or more hydrocarbon producing well sites is provided. The well site includes a hydrocarbon material flow passing through a pipe. The system includes a clamp-on flow meter and a control station. The clamp-on flow meter is operable to produce output indicative of at least one characteristic of the hydrocarbon material flowing through the pipe at the well site. The control station is separately located from the well site. The control station includes at least one processor adapted to receive the output from the clamp-on flow meter. The processor is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the hydrocarbon material flow at each well site using a flow compositional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Expro Meters, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Dragnea, Michael Sapack, Patrick Curry, Siddesh Sridhar
  • Patent number: 9528356
    Abstract: Flow control mechanism (100) for a downhole tool includes a housing (102), an inner liner (104), and a rotatable sleeve (106). The inner liner (104) is provided in and remains stationary relative the housing (102). The rotatable sleeve (106) can be arranged to rotate about the inner liner (104) to provide a closed configuration (900), a first open configuration (1400), and a second open configuration (1900). The closed configuration (900) can enable through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism (100) to a distal tool (50). The first open configuration (1400) can enable partial through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism (100) to the distal tool (50) and partial through-flow of fluid in a substantially radial direction. The second open configuration (1900) can prevent through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism to the distal tool (50) and to enable through-flow of fluid in a substantially radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Dale Russo, Carl Blane Miller, David J. Tilley
  • Patent number: 9523257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole system (100) for sealing an opening (2) in a wall of a well tubular structure in a borehole (4) downhole by means of a downhole tubular assembly (1), comprising the downhole tubular assembly comprising an expandable tubular part (5) having an inner face (6) and an unexpanded expandable tubular thickness in an unexpanded state, and a helical spring (7) having a helical inner diameter, a radial helical spring thickness and a helical outer diameter in an unexpanded state, the helical spring being arranged inside the expandable tubular part and substantially concentrically with the expandable tubular part, an expansion tool (9) for expanding the tubular assembly inside the well tubular structure (3) in one direction, the expansion tool comprising an expansion part having a diameter, and the expansion tool being arranged substantially on an axis which is concentric and longitudinal with the tubular assembly, and positioned in a first position, wherein the expandable tubu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Tomas Sune Andersen